Recognition: Northern Watersnakes are fairly dark-colored snakes and may be brown, tan or grayish. The coloration is much more vivid in young and wet specimens. Their back and sides have a series of square blotches that alternate and may merge to form bands. Their scales are keeled and the anal plate is divided. Adult females tend to be larger than adult males.

Confusing Species: This species is often confused with the venomous Cottonmouth, but Cottonmouths have bands instead of blotches and their distribution is generally restricted to the extreme southeast Cherokee County.

Reproduction: Northern watersnakes are live-bearers and breed April June. They primarily feed on amphibians and fish and are often seen basking on banks of rivers or ponds or on branches overhanging the water.

Behavior: They are often seen basking on banks of rivers or ponds or on branches overhanging the water.

Food Habits: They primarily feed on amphibians and fish.

Growth and Longevity: Northern watersnakes range in size from 24 to 55 in (61-140 cm).